by CHARLESTON, S.C. — Furniture Manufacturers Credit Association (FMCA) held its Fall Education Conference at the Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District here on September 12-13, 2024.
September 2024 also marks FMCA’s 63rd year. FMCA President Wendy Tester, Director of Corporate Credit for American
Leather and Lee Industries, started the conference with a welcome and introductions.
The presentations were from:
Jim Rice, Senior Vice President -RetailStat
Jim joined Creditntell.com/F&D Reports (now RetailStat) as a Senior Analyst in February 2007, bringing with him 30 years
of credit industry experience. Previously, Jim was an Equities Analyst for Susquehanna Financial Group and spent 14
years as an EVP of Bernard Sands. Jim also worked in various credit capacities in the factoring industry. At RetailStat, Jim
monitors apparel and department stores. Jim received his BA from Hunter College and did his post-graduate studies at St. John’s University. Jim covered multiple large accounts.
Melissa R. Raby
Melissa R. Raby is a seasoned marketing and strategy professional who has spent nearly two decades in the construction
and durable goods sectors. An expert in cross-functional collaboration, brand building, and innovation, her expertise is
rooted in creative problem-solving to connect people with solutions.
Her presentation was titled:
The Power of Creativity: Transforming Credit Pros into Problem Solvers
Have you ever been stuck on a problem you can’t seem to solve? Discover the power of creativity and transform your
approach to solving problems. This session addressed popular myths about creativity, reveal a new framework for
thinking around challenges, and provide a blueprint for creating a consistent practice of creativity for more effective problem-solving.
Between the speaker presentations, there was a great roundtable discussion of credit issues affecting home furnishings
and accessories supply professionals.
After lunch, the attendees visited the Wando Welsh Terminal of the South Carolina Port Authority. They were treated to
an excellent presentation and toured the various parts of the terminal’s operations.
Thursday was rounded out with a gathering at the hotel lounge.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, FMCA Board of Directors secretary Aimee Wassel-Shinosky, Credit Manager for La-Z-
Boy, Inc., gave a presentation titled “FMCA Past, Present, Future.” The presentation covered FMCA’s history from its
formation in 1961 to the present and illustrated its vision for the future.
Afterward, an awards presentation was held before the credit interchange meeting.
FMCA Annual Awards
The 2023-2024 FMCA Heritage Award Recipients included:
The FMCA Heritage Award is a recognition of Members who attend credit interchange meetings and use both FMCA
credit interchange reporting and collection services. Members in the top 5 in Collections or Credit Interchange Report
usage are also recognized. This year’s recipients include:
American Leather, Ashley Furniture Industries, Bassett Furniture, Bedgear, Bernhardt Furniture Co, Emerald Home Furnishings, Home Meridian International, HomeStretch, Hooker Furnishings Corporation, International Furniture Direct LLC, La-Z-Boy Inc., Leather Italia USA, Lee Industries, Legacy Classic Modern, Lexington Home Brands, Liberty Furniture, Magnussen Home Furnishings,
Martin Furniture, Parker House Furniture, Riverside Furniture Corporation, Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc., Rowe Furniture, Tempur+Sealy International, Sherrill Furniture Brands, Theodore Alexander, Universal Furniture, Vanguard Furniture, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture, and Vivet, Inc.
FMCA Credit Manager of the Year:
Magaby Ramirez credit manager for International Furniture Direct
FMCA Special Service Recognition:
Curtis Porter, Credit Manager for Universal Furniture, was recognized for his service to FMCA by serving as the Credit Interchange Chairperson.
FMCA Hall of Fame Inductee
FMCA Board of Directors Vice-President Brian Spencer, Director of Credit for Hooker Furniture & Home Meridian, was
inducted into FMCA’s Hall of Fame.
The FMCA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who meet extraordinary service criteria set forth by the FMCA Board of
Directors in 2002. The selection criteria include serving on the board of directors for at least 10 years, past president of
the association, committee chairperson, attendance at educational and annual Meetings, participation in educational
seminars, interchange meetings, and panel discussions, and a strong supporter of all FMCA services.
An initial class of seven FMCA pioneers were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. Since then, ten additional individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
FMCA Vice-President and General Manager David Johnston stated, “Brian’s self-sacrificing service and leadership over the past ten years have been a tremendous benefit to FMCA and its members. He continues to devote much time and wisdom to help guide FMCA in the present and future.”
The conference wrapped up with a credit interchange session. The conference and the interchange session are the heart
of the “member helping member” foundation on which FMCA was built. This is why it is the top trade association for
credit professionals in the home furnishings and accessories supply industry, trusted by over 70 top manufacturers,
importers, and factoring firms.
